Tim's Journal

Well, I had the pacemaker implanted. I was cardio converted and then the pacemaker. I am doing well. The only thing that I am a little disappointed in is that I was told I'd be off of my heart medicine after this procedure but that is not the case. Instead they added medication. I will be on the warfarin for the rest of my life because of the mechanical mitral valve. But I didn't expect to be on three new meds. Ugh. They do have side effects that I am experiencing but they are common. Well, it is what is is and I move forward with gratefulness to still be alive to spend time with family.

I just celebrated my 2 year anniversary of my mitral valve replacement and septal myectomy. I have been diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. I was doing really well until last September when I went into aFib. I was cardioverted and three month later went into aFib again. I was in sinus rhythm as usual after a cardioversion but 20 hours later I went back into aFib. We are now talking AV Node ablation. I had a cryo-ablation prior to the open heart surgery. That didn't work. I already have an ICD and all they have to do is add another lead and turn on the pacemaker part and then do the AV Node ablation. Any one here ever had one? I know it's last resort and makes things pretty final. How is it working for you if you have had one? Thanks Tim

So, it's been since Oct 10,2018 since my mitral Valve was replaced. I have been going to the gym 5 days a week and walking on the treadmill for 60 minutes a session @ 3 mph and some light weight work. I am 66 years old. Has anyone out there at my age been able to get back into jogging after the mitral valve replacement? Mine is a mechanical valve. Just wondering how far I should really take it. I know that I should probably ask my cardiologist but my last appointment was, "Well, see you in a year." My response was 1st, unexpected to hear that and 2) I said, "and just get back to my regular life?" with a yes. I was just wondering what others have been able to do?

It's been 4 months (Oct 10, 2018) since my Mitral Valve replacement and septal myectomy. I wasn't able to go to Cardiac Rehab but I did get released to my gym with instructions on what to do and what not to do to improve my strength and stamina. I am walking on treadmill 6days a week at 45 to 60 minutes at 3.0 mph AND I have been released to do light weight work to tone up my muscles. Since the surgery I have lost 25 pounds anf feeling great. I work at an Out Patient Surgery Center and I have many nurse employees who have worked in cardiac surgery in hospitals around the country. We are also attached to a clinic that specializes in Urology. I don't think a day has gone by since I have returned to work (Monday after Thanksgiving) where they are amazed at how well I look and how much color in back in my face. Even the providers in the building have made mention of it. I am grateful to Dr. Matt Slater, Thoracic Surgeon at St. Charles Medical Center, Bend, Oregon for doing such an awesome job at taking care of me and bringing me back to health. In fact all of the Cardiologist and PA's at the St. Charles Heart and Lung Center, that have been involved in my care are wonderful. Unfortunately, The downside, I am still in aFib but hope to get cardioverted on the 12th and I seem to be having problems at keeping my INR levels where they belong. But we are getting there.

Hi all - I am headed for a mitral valve repair (poss replacement if repair doesn't work) on Oct. 10th. I am also having a septal myectomy and possible papillary muscle realignment. For those of you who believe in the power of prayer, please do do. It is open heart surgery rather than minimul or robotic. Thanks so much